The Global Produce & Floral Show is a force for discovery. That is evident at the annual State of the Industry (SOI) presentation from Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).
This address will be Thursday, Oct. 19 at 8:20 AM. It previews the worlds of technology and innovation, sustainability and advocacy, talent attraction and workforce development, consumer trends and tomorrow’s priorities. As outgoing IFPA chair, Laura Himes of Walmart will offer her thoughts on the past year before introducing Burns and the SOI.
“We gather input from diverse sources to understand what will influence – even shock – the produce and floral industries so our members can prepare to take advantage of or protect against those forces,” said Burns.
In prior SOI predictions, Burns called attention to some of these potential implications for members:
- Sustainability: In 2018, the SOI noted consumers were focused on packaging, waste and energy while growers and suppliers were talking about water and soil health, an apparent disconnect. In 2022, IFPA research indicated consumers’ top sustainability issues were water conservation, energy efficiency, recyclable packaging, zero waste and healthy soils – a much stronger alignment.
- Ag Tech: In 2019, SOI called attention to ag tech innovation, including regenerative ag. In 2022, IFPA launched its Fresh Fields Catalyst technology accelerator, designed to bring the best tech in the world to the industry. The Fresh Field Catalyst remains on exhibit this year at the tech-focused Innovation Hub at the expo, featuring solution providers for robotics, sustainability, precision technologies, data intelligence and management (including software and info systems), food safety, labeling and packaging, transportation, traceability and more.
- The workforce: In 2019, global show attendees learned nine of 10 employees were willing to earn less money if they could do more meaningful work. In a post-pandemic 2022, Burns noted that employers must create moments that matter – connecting to the company’s mission, vision and its people.
“When I look at last year’s themes,” Burns said, “I think about where we are only a year later.”
- Sustainability--from regenerative ag to carbon to climate – continues to generate attention from consumers, industry and regulators.
- Food as medicine – food pharmacy (moving from “pharm” to farm) -- especially produce prescriptions, precision nutrition and healthy food bundling. “We had just come off the White House nutrition conference where several of IFPA’s policy recommendations were incorporated in the Biden Administration’s strategies. Today the media is full of stories about produce prescriptions, personalized nutrition for consumers and more.”
- Food and emotional connections – the personal, the joy of fresh, the powerful connective tissue in community. "Our members hold the joy of fresh in their hands and I am inspired by how they spread that joy through their products, services and stories.”
For more information, or to register, visit The Global Produce & Floral Show.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/
